and a genial handshake for Dr. Dudley's daughter, he passed with
Mrs. Nobbs to the southwest corner of the apartment. He took a
glance around the ceiling, a look from the window, and some
measurements with a foot-rule; then he walked briskly across the
room, nodded politely, and departed.

"What a lovable man he is!" commented Polly, as the retreating
footsteps told of their safe distance.

"Is he?"

"Don't you know him?" Polly queried.

"Not very well. Probably he doesn't remember me at all. He used
to come to the house occasionally to see father. That was before
he was married. I was only seventeen or eighteen."

"I like to look at him, he is so handsome." Polly's head wagged
admiringly. "I guess he'd remember you all right, only he doesn't
know you're here. He hasn't been president very long, just since
Mr. Macy died. What are they going to build now?"

"I don't know. First I've heard of it. They have more money than
they know what to do with, so they've decided to put up an L and
spoil my view," laughed Miss Sterling.

"I could tell them lots of things better than an L--some new
dresses for Mrs. Crump and Mrs. Albright and Miss Crilly. They've
been here longest and look the worst. That brown one of Mrs.
Crump's is just full of darns."